Falmouth Playhouse, Coonamessett-on-Cape Cod, Massachusetts

During the summer of 1954, Miss Helen Hayes appeared in a special four-week run of some of her most famous roles. James MacArthur accompanied his mother for this engagement. Wishing to learn more about the theatre, he took a job as technical assistant at the theatre. He also performed parts in two of his mother's plays ("What Every Woman Knows" and "The Wisteria Trees"). After Miss Hayes finished her run, her son stayed on at the theatre for the remainder of the summer, graduating to a job as lighting technician and then head electrician. He also took the role of John Day in the production of "Life With Father," in addition to his behind-the-scenes job that week.

Listed below are the nine productions which comprised the 1954 season at the Falmouth Playhouse. Click on the title of each production to view the program from that production.

3-10 July 1954: "What Every Woman Knows"

12-17 July 1954: "Mrs. McThing"

19-24 July 1954: "The Wisteria Trees"

26-31 July 1954: "Mary of Scotland"

2-7 August 1954: "Autumn Crocus"

9-14 August 1954: "Dear Charles"

16-21 August 1954: "Life With Father"

23-28 August 1954: "The Little Hut"

30 August - 4 September 1954: "The Swan"